Frytown-Parnell Transmission Line Project

Project Summary

In 2025, ITC Midwest energized the Frytown-Parnell 69 kV (69,000 volt) line project, which is part of the multi-year effort to convert the Iowa transmission system from 34.5 kV to 69 kV operation. This line helps complete a new, networked 69 kV system that serves a number of smaller communities and rural areas in southeast Iowa to enhance system reliability. The 12-mile line is routed from the REC substation east of Parnell in Iowa County to the Frytown substation in Johnson County, in a growing area about 15 miles southwest of Iowa City, Iowa.

The Frytown to Parnell line is part of the comprehensive plan to upgrade the outdated 34.5 kV transmission system to a modern 69 kV transmission system to better serve area load during normal and contingency operations. Generally, the 34.5 kV transmission system was in poor physical condition due to its age and no longer had the capacity to maintain acceptable loading and voltage levels during contingencies. The Frytown to Parnell line supports the conversion of the system from 34.5 kV to 69 kV on both the east and west sides of the project area, creating an important link to network the system and move electricity east and west.

The new line is improving system efficiency, reducing transmission outages, increasing the system’s capacity, and providing additional back-up capability during planned and unplanned outages. This project also responds to growing customer demands for reliability and resilience – all to support the area’s electric distribution utilities.